A2adjective 1K

Broken

UK /["/ˈbrəʊkən/"]/ US /["/ˈbrəʊkən/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

that has been damaged or injured; no longer whole or working correctly

Listen to definition

In simple words: not working or damaged

Examples

• The window is broken and needs to be fixed.
• He felt broken after the loss of his pet.
• The broken toy lay on the floor.
• She was broken by the harsh criticism from her friends.
• The road was broken due to the heavy rains.
• His dreams were broken when he didn't pass the exam.

Usage notes

Use 'broken' when describing items that are not functioning or are physically damaged. It is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Remember 'broken' as in 'broke the bone' - something isn’t working properly.

Collocations

• be
• get
• badly

Synonyms

• damaged
• shattered
• fractured
• nonfunctional

Antonyms

• whole
• intact
• fixed

Common mistakes

• Confusing 'broken' with 'broke' (the past tense of 'break')
• Using 'broken' in a context where 'damaged' is more appropriate
• Forget to use 'broken' with a noun (e.g. 'broken car' not just 'broken')